Captain Marvel

Captain Marvel is one of the comic book characters I have little familiarity but has had an interesting history since her debut to the comic book media in 1968. From what I heard, she had one direction with her story and character before going into a change with a different writer. My only exposure to her has been in the cartoon tv show Avengers Earth's Mightiest Heroes where she was pretty cool in how she was handled as well as an episode of Death Battle where I got a summarized version of her. This brings us to her debut to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which was written and directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck (Mississippi Grind and It's Kind of a Funny Story). This was the MCU's first female lead superhero solo movie and it was announced by Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige that she would become the new leader for the next phase, including that she would appear in Avengers Endgame. The marketing campaign was very weak and the decision for the studio to let the actress make sharp political statements didn't help matters for what appeared to be a simple sci-fi action flick. I entered the auditorium with low expectations but ready to give it a chance and left it shocked by how incredibly sloppy the film was but glad I gave it a chance.

What's it about? Taking place in the 1990s, an amnesiac Carol Danvers is involved in the Kree-Skull War discovers elements of her past and a hidden truth about the conflict. On paper, this sounds like a version of Jason Bourne where we can see the lead emotionally adjust to new information. There's a good amount of intrigue in the first act where it can get mind trippy (particularly when a certain sequence happens). The score (not the 1990s soundtrack) adds a little bit of cool flair with some synth music. It's commendable for the studio to try new ideas like this in an attempt to shake things up for an origin movie. There are tidbits of 1990s nostalgia that managed to get a few chuckles with the technology gags. This is certainly a feminist feature (being released on International Women's Day) with some nice attributes in that area, despite suffering from how heavy handed that aspect is delivered.

However, what appears good on paper doesn't translate well here as it not only feels like different arcs are being crammed in there but the direction as a whole is very rushed (5 writers worked on this and it shows). In acting as a prequel film in this timeline, it feels obligated to become a checklist film to fill-in the blanks for smaller lore related questions while introducing items pieces for the main protagonist (similar to Solo: A Star Wars Story). What doesn't help is that the audience can figure out what's really going on long before the main heroine does, which removes elements of a surprise factor. Because of this approach, any potential that could have made the story of the film cohesive and have investment in the stakes are tossed away. In addition to this, the film commits one of the biggest issues that can't be ignored after the MCU has done this tactic for 20 movies*.

*Show, Don't Tell: It fails to show any growth for the lead protagonist in their own film. This series of movies Marvel Studios has done since 2008 has always followed "Show, Don't Tell" for their heroes to indicate the organic development they undergo over a period of time. Unfortunately, this is forgotten here as we are told things about the heroine but never get to experience it (examples include the relationship with the best friend, any kind of change she has had in flashbacks, and the work she did with an important figure). There's a chunk of film near the end of the second act where the supporting figures are talking about how great the titular character is but we are never shown that in any meaningful capacity. The value of what's supposed to be important to her is lost and all we have left are people just talking about how great this person is. Overall this is a weak Phase 1 film that slows down the momentum of Phase 3 with smaller stakes and without an identity of its own.

How's the action? The action sequences are a bit of a mixed bag with their execution. The first half of the film has the best battles with how interesting a few of them are (such as having to fight while wearing cemented blocks on the arms and the train chase). Those feel more natural and are more clear to the eye to see what's going on. Unfortunately the third act climax suffers from 2 problems that prevents enjoyment from it (if it's difficult to ignore them). The first of which being the lighting and choppy camera editing made it hard to observe who was attacking in this enclosed room. The second is where the heroine becomes a Mary Sue (Kree and Air Force training doesn't translate to suddenly master the hidden powers), which ends up removing any tension from the opposing forces by barely making it a struggle at all (and makes me forgive Black Panther for its climax issues by comparison). What doesn't help that big battle near the end is the soundtrack choice that's trying to mimic Guardians of the Galaxy instead of doing its own thing (they play No Doubts "I'm just a Girl").

How's Brie Larson? In regards to Brie's performance as Carol Danvers/Captain Marvel, it pains me to say this for a Marvel movie but the directing choices from both the directors and the actress negatively affected her portrayal. It's commendable that she would take on a role that very different from her Oscar work from recent years and she's trying very hard but this script is failing her. Most of that blame should be placed on the writers for preferring to keep things safe and not taking any risks to make her memorable. What doesn't help is that the script refuses to give Carol Danvers any flaws to overcome that audiences can find relatable, resulting in her becoming dull/uninteresting It's particularly worrisome as it was announced that she's expected to lead the next Phase of the MCU and will be appearing in Avengers Endgame (but hopefully this can be remedied with better writing in the future).

How's everyone else? The actor MVPs to pay attention to are Nick Fury (Samuel Jackson) and Talos (Ben Mendelson). Samuel is having the most amount of fun he's ever had with this role and is such a seasoned veteran here that he's doing his best to make sure the chemistry with Brie helps make this mess of a film salvageable. It should also be mentioned that the computer de-aging technology on him is amazing and probably ate up a chunk of the films budget considering how small scaled everything else is. That being said, they do a few things with Fury near the end that's going to irk some fans (including myself). Ben gives a great performance that has some investment given to him that some people are going to wish they had with Carol Danvers. An honorable mention goes to Maria Rambeau (Lashana Lynch) for providing a serviceable performance. Mixed mentions go to Agent Coulson (Clark Gregg) and Yon-Rogg (Jude Law) for wasting the talents of these actors who deserved better for their respective roles that don't have much screen time.

Why's there a cat in the marketing? Believe it or not, that cat named Goose contributes to the plot and has better chemistry with Samuel Jackson than Brie Larson. With so much buzz about this feline, honestly he was alright but underutilized with very little screen time. He's definitely a highlight since he at least has an easily defined personality and our de-aged Shield agent makes him work but his usage is limited by the budget. There are two plots things Goose does that are pretty forced: first one involving Nick Fury (insert cat jokes here for those who know what I'm referring to) and the second one taking place after the end credits (unimportant). For those of you curious about any connections to Endgame, you only need the first end credits scene as the rest of the film doesn't do anything major or impressive for the MCU bigger picture

Overall Consensus: Captain Marvel lacks cohesive focus due to a crowded script, absence of emotional investment in the stakes at hand, and bland characterization of the lead, but shines with momentary spots of entertainment and a good score. ⭑⭑3/4💻 Runtime: 2 hours 4 minutes PG-13

Reasons to watch it: You like any of the aforementioned actors. You want to see one of Stan Lee's final cameos as well as the heartfelt tribute. You have a soft spot for 1990s nostalgia. You are curious about what attributes of feminism are used. You want to know answers to minor questions about Nick Fury. You like scores that have synth music in it.

Reasons to avoid it: You dislike any of the aforementioned actors. You dislike female leads who are given no relatable flaws and are turned into Mary Sues. You are annoyed by heavy handed usage of 1990s nostalgia and/or feminism. You dislike the superhero genre. You are wondering if this is an important entry to watch for Avengers Endgame preparations. You prefer not knowing answers to certain questions regarding Nick Fury.